The current political climate in the U.S. has undeniably shifted how many Canadians, myself included, think about travel. While this isn’t meant to be a political statement, the rhetoric surrounding Canada as the so-called “51st state” has left a sour taste for many. It’s not just about words—it’s about the underlying tone that has prompted a quiet but growing movement to step back, reconsider, and, in some cases, boycott U.S. products and travel altogether. Visiting the U.S. has been a regular part of our lives for years. Living in Montreal, the proximity to the border makes it easy to head…
Category: Theme Trips
Exploring Your Own Backyard: Becoming a Tourist at Home
Travel often sparks visions of exotic beaches, bustling cityscapes, or winding mountain trails, but there’s a hidden charm in rediscovering the place you call home. Becoming a tourist in your backyard offers a fresh perspective on your familiar surroundings, turning everyday sights into a unique adventure. Here’s how to dive into this local exploration and enjoy all the benefits of travel without needing a suitcase. All photos were taken recently in Montreal. Why Explore Locally? Staying close to home doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure. Local exploration offers several perks that travel abroad might miss: Reduced Costs: You skip airfare, accommodation fees,…
Riding Amtrak’s Vermonter
I came across a deal to watch the autumn leaves on a train from Saint Albans, about an hour and 15 south of Montreal and Vermont, down to Washington, D.C. It was a ridiculously cheap fare, but it was 13 hours. There was no way Louise would be inconsiderate on so many accounts, but she suggested my brother, and Greg was keen. Since I couldn’t turn around to get up at dawn the next day, we decided to stay in Washington for two nights. I don’t know what happened in the last three years, but hotels in big cities like…
The Glacier Express: The Swiss Alpine Wonderland
I have recently published my book: “Unforgettable Train Journeys Across the Globe: Rails and Wonders.” You can order it on Kindle here. I thought I would share one of the chapters here with you. We never did the Glacier Express in Switzerland, but we finally did go on the Jungfrau Railway in 2010. The Jungfrau Railway in the Swiss Alps is a cogwheel railway known as the Jungfraubahn in German. It transports visitors from the picturesque village of Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the “Top of Europe.” The journey took us through tunnels and steep mountain…
The Dignified Dolmens of Carnac
There’s something about the “Standing Stones” that seems to fascinate everyone. Seeing them, such as the Dolmens of Carnac, is quite remarkable. I understand now that people are often disappointed in Stonehenge because of the over-tourism and limited access. It was different for me the first time I saw them as a younger child. But one doesn’t have to venture far to visit the more isolated stones of Avebury. In 2008, we were living in Geneva and looking for a holiday. France is always attractive, but driving can be somewhat of a nightmare with traffic jams no matter the season….
Cultural Travel: A Guide for Senior Women
I am working on an eBook with tips and thoughts on travelling as a senior woman. I am up to 50 pages and while a lot of editing remains, here is the first chapter for you. Chapter 1: Introduction to Cultural Travel for Senior Women Understanding the Benefits of Cultural Travel Cultural travel helps women over 60 and seniors deeply experience diverse cultures worldwide. It offers a chance to connect with locals, understand their customs, traditions, and way of life, and appreciate the diversity of our world. One of the key benefits of travel for seniors is the opportunity to…
15 of the World’s Best Botanical Gardens
We are sure to visit every botanical garden we can when travelling. While I do enjoy a lovely garden, Louise is “obsessed.” The Accès Montréal card is offered to residents of the island of Montréal, and as members, we get free access to the Montreal Botanical Garden. Needless to say, we visit it quite often, and I am very happy to see it made the list of the world’s best botanical gardens. TIP: the Montreal Botanical Gardens’ winter path is open daily from 7:30 am to 5 pm from December to May for everyone. Access is free to the site,…
US National Park Pass – An Outstanding Deal
The US National Park Pass is one of the most fantastic values for travellers in the United States. An annual pass for anyone over 65 is $80. If you are a senior and a US resident, you can get a lifetime pass for two for $80. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. A pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day-use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at…